lo nuestro
Lemma Details
Translation: our thing; our relationship; what we have; our affair; our business
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the neuter article 'lo' (which substantivizes the following adjective) with the possessive adjective 'nuestro' (our). 'Nuestro' derives from Latin 'noster', which shares the same Indo-European root as English 'our'. The construction 'lo + adjective' is a common Spanish pattern that creates abstract concepts.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Lo nuestro es especial.
What we have is special.
Nadie entiende lo nuestro.
Nobody understands our relationship.
Lo nuestro terminó hace tiempo.
Our relationship ended a long time ago.
Debemos mantener lo nuestro en secreto.
We should keep our affair a secret.
Lo nuestro es la música.
Our thing is music.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'lo' as 'the thing' and 'nuestro' as 'our' - so 'the thing that is ours'
- Associate with the English phrase 'our thing' which has similar connotations of something shared between people
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to refer to a romantic relationship, often with a sense of intimacy or secrecy. It can also refer to something that belongs to or characterizes a group, family, or community. In Latin American culture, it's frequently used in love songs and telenovelas to describe romantic relationships.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'lo nuestro' refers to something belonging to 'us' (first person plural), 'lo vuestro' refers to something belonging to 'you all' (second person plural).
Confused word:
Lo vuestro parece estar funcionando bien.
Your relationship seems to be working well.
Notes: In Latin American Spanish, 'lo vuestro' is less common as 'vosotros' is rarely used, with 'ustedes' being the preferred second person plural form.
Mnemonic: Nuestro = 'N' for 'us' (first letter of 'nosotros'); Vuestro = 'V' for 'you all' (first letter of 'vosotros')
Explanation: 'Lo nuestro' (singular) refers to an abstract concept or relationship, while 'los nuestros' (plural masculine) refers to people who belong to our group or side.
Notes: 'Los nuestros' often refers to 'our people' or 'our team' in contexts like sports, politics, or group identity.
Mnemonic: 'Lo' (singular) for one relationship or concept; 'Los' (plural) for multiple people